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Blog by Kim Twohey | August 3rd, 2016

Preventing Break-Ins

A home invasion can be one of the most unsettling things a person can experience. One of the best ways to prevent theft is good old-fashioned information, so we’ve compiled a list of steps you can take to make your home more secure.

Lock Up! Whether you are going on a holiday, a trip to the supermarket, or simply out to your backyard—lock your doors. Use a good lock—one that can’t be opened without a key, not even from the inside.

Keep Your Valuables Out Of Sight There’s no sense advertising what you have that might be worth stealing—keep your valuables out of sight.

Leave A Radio On Nothing is quite as effective as leaving the impression that your home is occupied. Tuning into a talk show is a good idea. Place the radio at a front window, with the volume turned low.

Get To Know Your Neighbours Trusted neighbours can be invaluable, keeping an eye out for strangers while you are away for short or long periods of time. Before leaving on a trip, leave the keys with a neighbour who can turn your lights and radio on and off, open and close your curtains, water your plants, bring in the paper, mow your lawn, shovel the snow, move your car or park their car in your driveway.

Your Guide to Backyard Composting

Did you know that 57% of the garbage going to landfill from homes could be composted? 22% is yard waste and the other 35% is food waste. These materials contribute to methane gas and leachate pollution in the landfill. Compost these items at home and create a nutrient rich soil amendment (compost) to use in your yard and garden instead!

2. Add water–when your compost bin gets dry, add water (rain water if possible). The material should be as moist as a wrung out sponge.

3. Add oxygen–the micro-organisms and bacteria in the bin require oxygen so stir or aerate your bin 3-4 times per month (in spring, summer, and fall). Use a pitchfork, old hockey stick or a “wingdigger” aerating tool.

Place your compost bin where you can easily access it in both summer and winter, and where the heat from the sun will contribute to the decomposition process.